All about ficuses. Ficus, home care and growing tips. The most common types

Ficus is a type of plant that grows in the tropics around the world. It is incredibly diverse, with some species being used as houseplants. To appreciate the decorative possibilities of such an indoor flower, you need to learn more about its subspecies and care requirements.

What it is?

Since this genus is very diverse, it is difficult to make a specific classification or description. Ficus can be a shrub, vine, or just a small ornamental plant. Many subspecies produce aerial roots, while others produce tasty fruits such as figs. The sacred fig is of particular importance to followers of some Asian religions, including Buddhism.

Ficus is the largest genus in the mulberry family and is one of the largest flowering plants currently described. All species were originally divided into several genera in the mid-1800s, providing the basis for a subgeneric classification. This traditional classification has been challenged by recent phylogenetic studies.

Ficus loves a lot of bright diffused light, and is very susceptible to root rot. It is planted in a pot with gravel or rock drainage, but not expanded clay, as it negatively affects the quality of the soil.

These plants love to be watered, but do not tolerate waterlogging, they prefer the soil to dry well from watering to watering.

In general, the genus of ficus has more than 800 species. Each reproduces quickly and easily, making it a sought-after tree in rainforest restoration, and an ornamental pet in homes, offices, and institutions. Ficus trees have been shown in research to play an important role in environmental restoration as they are highly effective in supporting the regeneration of surrounding plant communities.

Ficuses do well in large pots and without pruning. Under favorable conditions, they can reach a height of two meters. The less space and poorer maintenance, the smaller and smaller the tree will grow. Not all varieties can bloom, but if they allow you to enjoy such a spectacle, then at the same time they will also please you with a pleasant aroma.

To maintain the massive trunks and branches of ficus trees in their natural environment, huge and powerful root systems are required, and nature has provided for this.

The roots of the described type of plants spread laterally and often need proper care.

Poisonous or not?

Ficus is poisonous to animals and humans. Many plants, including elastic, produce milky juice, especially after pruning on stems and leaves. It is he who can cause not only irritation on the skin, but also gastrointestinal problems if absorbed through the skin or enters the mouth of a person and animal. Symptoms of poisoning include mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and redness of the skin.

Kinds

Ficus can be ordinary or bush. There are several main types, we will consider them in more detail.

• Pumila. It occurs naturally in East Asia. The plant is 4.5 meters long and 1.8 meters wide. The creeping species has heart-shaped green leaves. Outdoors, the plant can produce "hairy" fruits that are green at first and turn purple when ripe. Such a flower needs regular watering. Thrips and mealy bugs are a major problem as they feed on foliage. Gardeners often plant this species in a container or hanging basket.

At the same time, ficus climbs beautifully on trellises, poles and walls.

• Ficus Benjamina. This is an evergreen broad-leaved representative of the genus from Southeast Asia, which reaches 15 meters in height and 9 meters in width. The plant has light brown bark, green leaves and arched twigs. Outdoors can produce small, round fruits. Withstands maintenance in conditions of cooling up to 10-12 degrees, sometimes loses leaves in winter. Gardeners mainly use this ficus as a houseplant.

• Ficus petiolaris. Sometimes it is called stone ficus. It grows well in containers and is used as a bonsai. This species has light green leaves and green flowers, which are inferior in appearance to other varieties of ficus.

• Elastica. This broad-leaved evergreen plant reaches 30 meters in height and 50 in width. Such huge plants have thick, dark green leaves, purple or pink stipules, and small fruits. This variety of ficus needs indirect lighting or partial shade. Sometimes suffers from aphids and scales.

As a culture, the flower has smaller dimensions and grows well at home.

• Ficus religiosa. This species has light gray bark, dark green leaves and purple fruits. It is a sacred tree for those who follow Hinduism and Buddhism and has no major disease or pest problems. Grows best in full sun. Gardeners often use the tree as a container plant.

• carica. Mature trees have a silvery-gray bark that arouses decorative interest in the described species. Leaves with dark green tops and pale green undersides. Inconspicuous green flowers bloom in spring, followed by edible fruits that ripen in late summer. Of the diseases, the most common spots on the leaves, rot. The variety grows well in containers.

• Ficus albert-smithii. It is a species in the Moraceae family. It grows naturally in Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela. It has large wide leaves.

• Altissima. Ficus altissima is a species of flowering plant in the Mora family. It is a large, majestic evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia.

• Ficus americana. Commonly known as the West Indian Laurel or Jamaican Cherry Fig. It grows in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America.

• Ficus aurea. Another well-known variety that is native to the US state of Florida, Northern and Western Caribbean, Southern Mexico and Central America south of Panama.

• Ficus auriculata Lour. A type of ficus found throughout Asia. Of the characteristic features, large and round leaves can be distinguished. Used as feed in Nepal.

It is the least resistant to direct sunlight, although it loves a lot of light.

• Florida Spire. A new, green, narrow-stemmed variety.

• "Golden Princess" It has greyish-green leaves edged with ivory. This is one of the first variegated varieties that is grown in nurseries.

• "Jacqueline". It has very colorful foliage with a greyish-green center and a border.

• Decora. Shows broad elliptical leaves.

• Doscheri. It has a narrow leaf shape and a bright variegated pattern, green, grayish-green, yellow, white and pink petiole.

• rubra. Differs in dark leaves with a wine shade. Most of the red color is lost as the plant begins to receive less light.

Home care

Any of the ficuses loves to be looked after in an apartment, namely: they wipe the leaves from dust, produce high-quality and timely watering, and do not put them in a draft. Speaking briefly about the requirements for care, it is worth adhering to the following indicators:

• temperature - 15-24 ° C, lowering should not be allowed, otherwise the ficus will simply die;
• the light should be bright, but diffused; in winter, special lamps can be used;
• watering must be moderate, regular, if the water supply is excessive, the root system will suffer;
• keep the humidity level above 60%.

If we consider in more detail the requirements for quality care, then it is always worth remembering that this houseplant is one of those that cannot tolerate cold temperatures. The minimum allowable level is at around 15 degrees.

If there is little light, then the ficus will begin to suffer, and if there is a lot, then the branches will become lanky, it will be difficult to restrain the crown.

It is best to put it on the window, but at the same time hang out a thin tulle through which the sun's rays scatter, and do not fall directly on the foliage.

Ficuses feel great in the interior of a room with good humidity. If this is not a problem in summer, then in winter it is not so easy to achieve the required indicator. During this period, special humidifiers are often used or simply placed next to containers of water so that it can evaporate freely. There is another trick - use a spray bottle and delight the leaves with a pleasant shower from time to time.

As for watering, it must be regular. Soft water at room temperature would be ideal for ficus. But you can’t water or spray water every day, this will lead to the occurrence of a fungal disease - usually root rot. If the temperature in the room decreases in winter, then the frequency of watering is reduced. The main condition is that the soil dries well, you can check this not only with a moisture meter, but simply by dipping your finger into the ground. If it is dry at a distance of three centimeters, then it is already possible to moisturize.

Plant care is not only compliance with the conditions of detention, but also the timely application of fertilizers. Organic, mineral and liquid complexes can be used as top dressing. It is recommended to fertilize twice a month in spring and summer.

In winter and autumn, you can use them monthly, while the dose should be four times less than that indicated on the package.

You can’t do without top dressing at all, and this applies to any indoor plants., which grow in pots with drainage, as water quickly leaches nutrients from the soil. It is best to use a granular fertilizer with a ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of 3: 1: 2. A balanced top dressing, for example, a water-soluble fertilizer with a formula of 10: 10: 10, is also good.

Very often, by the foliage, you can understand that the tree feels bad. Particular attention should be paid if a suspicious plaque appears, the foliage turns yellow or becomes stained. Sometimes this indicates poor care, and sometimes it is the first sign of disease or insect damage.

It also happens that yellow, old leaves appear, and too small new ones, in this case the tree lacks nutrients. The abundance of water may also have caused a similar condition. The negative influence of sunlight leads to burns and yellowing, but the appearance of brown spots is often associated with a high temperature inside the room. With any of the reasons it is worth understanding, and more carefully studying the symptoms.

Regular pruning helps improve branch formation and create a more attractive crown. The main thing to remember about ficus pruning is that the procedure is carried out only when the plant is at rest, namely in the winter season. Most gardeners have not even thought about how important it is to properly prune, because for many it seems difficult and not entirely necessary. Carrying out the procedure, you must first pay attention to the tiny branches with a node between them.

If you accidentally cut a piece between these nodes, the branch dies. With proper pruning, the plant will lose some foliage, but will immediately begin to sprout, become lush.

When pruning is done correctly, you can extend the life of the ficus. She helps:

• control or maintain shape and size;
• promote growth;
• light and air to penetrate to the lower parts;
• remove dead, diseased or pest-infested leaves and shoots.

Start by removing all dead branches on the tree. Because some of the smaller inner branches are shaded, they die, and this is a natural process in such light-loving plants. Such branches are usually very small, about the size of a pencil. They don't do any good, they just draw energy onto themselves, so they remove any weak specimens in the center of the plant.

After that, it's time to trim the outer crown. Cut off about a third of the canopy around the tree. Reducing its size promotes new growth. Sometimes branches are obtained that change the shape of the tree. They are removed selectively, moving back to the center.

Root pruning is also done if they are damaged and there is a suspicion that the plant may die in the future.

Basics of the procedure:

• always cut back to a healthy branch;
• always make an even cut, never pluck a branch, since such damage severely injures the plant, makes its immunity weakened;
• never cut too far above the bud, as this leads to further rotting;
• it must be remembered that the tips (terminal bud) of a branch or stem grow much stronger than the lower buds (lateral ones).

Leaf fall signals the onset of a state of rest. The soil should remain moist, but not soggy. The optimal time for pruning trees is at the end of winter, but if all the leaves suddenly crumble, emergency intervention by the grower may be required. First of all, they try to eliminate the conditions that caused such a reaction, only after that you can start trimming the branches from one quarter to one third of their length. Leave one central shoot.

You can understand that the plant has no problems by the color of the foliage. If the young leaves are light green and the old ones are darker, the tree is healthy. Sometimes the color is less intense, this is due to the fact that the ficus has recently been moved from a bright place to a less sunlit place. Leaf discoloration is not a problem, provided they do not turn yellow or fall off the tree. However, you can always install an artificial light source.

If the leaves of different ages and sizes begin to turn light green, then this indicates that the plant is oversaturated with moisture. Instead of following a previously set watering schedule, it's worth checking the soil and letting it dry out for a week. The same happens with insufficient nutrition, when all the necessary minerals are washed out of the soil.

Transfer

Transplantation is also one of the forms of ficus care, but it is worth talking about it in more detail. This indoor flower does not like to change position, so it is better to touch it only as a last resort. A transplant is only beneficial when done correctly.

Sometimes transplantation is not associated with soil depletion or any disease., it's just that the root system has grown a lot, and it's time to place the flower in a larger container. Every experienced grower checks the roots of a ficus tree to make sure it's time to repot.

If the pot seems crowded and there is little room for soil, it's time to move the pet to more comfortable conditions.

There is nothing complicated in the procedure, you must first carefully remove the plant from the container. The root ball is cleaned of excess earth, and at the same time examined for the presence of diseases and other damage. It is advisable to rinse well from the soil in order to better see where the roots have already disappeared. These are to be removed immediately, each section is sprinkled with crushed activated charcoal powder to prevent infection.

At the next stage, a new ficus pot is chosen, it should be no more than a few centimeters larger than the previous one. It is filled with a few centimeters of fresh soil, drainage is necessarily laid on the bottom, and expanded clay should not be used. After planting, the root ball should be at least two centimeters below the rim of the container, so it is best to adjust the bottom level first. Fill the space around the root ball with fresh soil.

After planting, it is not tamped down so that the ficus does not suffocate, they simply produce high-quality watering and wait for the excess moisture to drain.

If the pot is not changed, then the plant will not grow. When you want the ficus to please with its dimensions and take up as much space as possible, then it is better to regularly monitor that the root system has room to develop. It is enough just to take the flower out of the pot, cut the horse system, replace the soil and install it in the same container. Any tool that is trimmed needs to be well disinfected. Separate tangled roots with your fingers, unwinding any that have begun to circle around the root ball. They also cut off those that are dead or rotten. Remove about one third of the previous length using small scissors, secateurs.

It is also possible to determine that the root system no longer fits in the container when the drainage holes become closed by it. Do not worry if, after transplanting, the plant began to throw off the leaves, so the ficus reacts to stress, and will soon grow new shoots again.

Some species do not like spacious pots too much, so the container should move no more than two centimeters from the roots.

You can not transplant a tree outdoors during the heat. This can lead to wilting. There are no special requirements for the soil, except that it must be sterile. It is imperative to organize high-quality drainage, it is very simple to check it. If after watering the water soaks into the soil within 12 hours, the level of drainage is fine, when it remains for 24 hours, something is wrong.

Reproduction methods

There are several ways to propagate ficus at home, let's dwell on them in more detail.

Apical cutting

In this case, you need a piece of the stem (often a growing tip), it should be about 10-15 cm in length. Remove all leaves if the sap oozes, wait for it to stop, usually within 30 minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly.

Spring and summer are ideal times for plant propagation. At this time, growth is more active, which means that the root system will form faster. A mixture of sand with peat and perlite is poured into the pot. All available cuttings are planted in the ground, covered with a plastic bottle or plastic bag to create the effect of a greenhouse. Strictly monitor the temperature, which should be at the level of 25 degrees.

It is worth remembering that the rooting rate depends on the variety. So, green-leaved ficuses germinate faster than variegated ones. Not only the soil is suitable for the development of the root system, you can also use water, to which a growth enhancer is first added. In two weeks, the first roots should appear.

sheet plates

This is another way to propagate a plant at home. True, this method is not suitable for all varieties, but it can be used for young ficuses. Spring is the best time, before winter, for such a period, the plant has time to adapt, take root.

The step by step process is as follows.

1. A leaf with an internode is cut from the stem, and it is necessary to make not only the main, but also an additional oblique cut for the rapid formation of roots.
2. First, to remove unwanted juice, the leaf is immersed in water for an hour. After that, it is transferred to a liquid with a stimulant.
3. To prevent the evaporation of moisture through the leaf plate, it is recommended to tie it into a tube.
4. When the roots appear, you can transfer the plant to the ground. Immersion in the soil is made up to the petiole. After that, the earth is watered, it can be sprayed from a spray bottle and covered with a film to create greenhouse conditions.
5. If the humidity is at the level of 80%, and the temperature in the room is from 25 to 28 degrees, then in a month new shoots will begin to appear.

Air layers

This method is used when the trunk is heavily exposed. Small incisions are made along it at a distance of three centimeters, the bark is removed. Kornevin is applied to this place, sphagnum moss is applied, sprayed with a spray bottle, and covered with a film. From time to time they make sure that the moss does not dry out. When the roots break through the polyethylene, the sprout can be transplanted into a separate pot.

seeds

This method is not used often, since it is not so easy to get seeds, but if you are lucky, then landing is carried out as follows.

1. A mixture of sphagnum moss and peat is used as the soil. It must be constantly moist, only in this way it will be possible to germinate the seeds.
2. The container is covered with a film, as soon as the first roots appear, each shoot is planted in a pot. The composition of the soil changes, for the rooting of the plant it is necessary to use a mixture of perlite, river sand and peat.
3. At the time of rooting, the ficus is provided with diffused light, abundant watering in summer and a small amount of moisture in winter.
4. The upper parts are pinched, leaving only a couple of internodes, which in the future will become the basis for the formation of the crown.

It takes about six years to grow a mature plant with a beautiful crown.

root

One piece can be divided into several parts, each is immersed in the ground, leaving a few centimeters on top of it, covered with a film on top. If everything is done correctly and the soil was well moistened, then in a few months the first leaves will begin to appear. When there are four or more of them, you can remove the plastic bag, as the new plant needs to get used to the surrounding conditions.

Diseases and pests

Ficus is susceptible to several pests that suck the juices from the plant. One of the signs of an insect infestation is light green leaves, which then turn yellow, curl, and eventually fall off. But insects are far from the only problem a grower has to deal with, there are others.

Improper care and non-compliance with the regimen also adversely affect the condition of the plant. Excessive light intensity reflects poorly on ficuses. You can identify the problem by the color of the leaves, which turn light green, with the sides of the leaf blade folded up, the edge is wavy. Under normal maintenance, the flower should be exposed to diffused light.

A large amount of moisture appears as small reddish spots across and on the undersides of the leaves. The symptom is usually observed on plants that stand in the ground, where drainage is poorly organized. As a result of the fact that the root system begins to rot, the plant ceases to receive the required amount of nutrients.

To fix the problem, you need to reduce the amount of watering, check the drainage. The soil needs to be dried with high quality, and if there are damaged ficus roots, it is better to transplant, but before that, remove all rotten parts.

In winter, when the plant is at rest, the soil is watered less frequently.

There is another problem that the grower has to face - salinization of the soil. In this case, the flower remains undersized. You can not overdo it with fertilizers, an overabundance can be traced very simply - the foliage in the early stages is stressed and becomes dark green. The root neck, exposed to excessive salinity, dries out and eventually dies. Salt buildup can in most cases be corrected by leaching the soil.

In addition to an excess of fertilizers, sometimes the opposite situation occurs - a lack of trace elements. At the same time, young leaves become light green, and old ones have a dark color. The flower grows slowly, practically does not give new shoots. In this case, it is advised to adjust the fertilizer program to increase the fertility of the soil. Experts advise mixing top dressing in a ratio of 2: 1: 2 or 3: 1: 2.

Potassium deficiency is manifested by marginal chlorosis and necrosis on the lower leaves. In this particular case, an additional supply of the microelement to the soil is required. Potassium chloride and nitrate are good sources. With a lack of magnesium, the lower leaves suffer. First of all, chlorosis appears on the most distant parts. To fix the problem, magnesium sulfate must be used. Another important trace element is manganese, the deficiency of which is manifested by interveinal chlorosis. Helps in solving the problem of manganese sulfate.

Diseases

Often growers are faced with bacterial infections. Among them, one of the most popular is caused by the bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The first manifestations of this disease are swollen areas on stems, leaf veins, and even roots. Over time, they increase and become covered with a crust. In cases of severe damage, the formations increase, unite, resulting in a distorted trunk or root.

Bacterial infestations cannot be eliminated, there are no effective drugs, so the only way to get rid of the problem is to remove and destroy all plants affected by bacteria, then sterilize the entire instrument.

Another, no less dangerous infection is spotting. It is manifested by the appearance of water-soaked areas that can grow rapidly. Sometimes the lesions have a bright yellow border. In a severe form of infection, the leaf abscess spreads strongly throughout the plant. Benjamin plants are most commonly affected. The disease is difficult to control, all affected areas must be removed immediately. Bactericides containing copper can be effective if used as a preventive measure and on a regular basis.

But bacterial infections are not the only ones, often fungal viruses also infect ficuses. An example is anthracnose. The disease is characterized by yellow and brown spots on the leaves. Spores form in zones along the veins. The plant becomes infected with this disease during the summer months. As a preventive measure, it is necessary to maintain stable conditions for keeping the flower. On rooted plants, watering and exposure to precipitation during the winter should be minimized.

Another problem is gray rot. Large, brown spots appear on the leaves and grow rapidly. The defeat of gray rot or late blight occurs primarily on ficus elastic in the cold season, especially on cuttings.

Cercosporosis are tiny and slightly raised, red or dark green spots on the underside of the foliage. Spread quickly over the entire surface. If left untreated, the entire plant can become covered in fungus. The best means of control - insecticides.

Pests

The main pests among insects: aphids, thrips, mites, fungal midges. It is they who like to attack ficus even at room conditions. The best means of dealing with them is pesticides, but you can simply use a contrast shower or even treatment with an alcohol solution, soap.

Leaf nematodes appear as spots on leaves. They are usually rectangular. The infection is introduced by the movement of nematodes from the weeds to the lower leaves, so it is important to remove any grass in the pot. When affected by a nematode, the root system is weakened, rot often appears. The best prevention is to use sterile soil. Sometimes the root node is also damaged, then growth retardation and further wilting of the plant occur.

The mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses in leaf axils, on lower surfaces, and on roots. Honeydew and mold are also often present with infestations. The plant turns out to be stunted, if not treated, it dies.

Thrips-infested leaves become twisted or distorted, with silver-gray welts where the insect feeds. Treatment with pesticides and fungicides gives a positive result.

Sometimes growers notice white dots on the edges of the leaves, similar to wax. They may look like pests or diseases, but they don't really need treatment or special care. Scientists have not yet been able to understand what it is, some people think that this is how the ficus gets rid of an excess of minerals.

If the plant oozes juice, it is the result of an invasion of pests, usually mealybugs and mites, which feed by sucking out the nutrients of the plant. Proper treatment is of particular importance, it helps to save the flower. Fungicides and horticultural oils are proven methods to deal with this problem.

For information on what types of ficus are and how to care for them at home, see the following video.

Immediately choose a permanent place in the apartment for the green pet. Ficuses react very painfully to frequent moves.

The plant is suitable for a well-lit place. But make sure that direct sunlight does not fall on the ficus and slightly shade it, for example, with roller blinds. Otherwise, he may get burned.

Bright lighting is especially important for variegated plants. Due to the lack of light, their leaves can change color and become just green.

Another consequence of the lack of lighting is the curvature or tilting to the side, at first barely noticeable. To help the ficus, move it closer to the window. If the plant does not fit on the windowsill, put it on a stool.

From spring to autumn, during active growth, once a month turn the other side of the ficus to the light.

How to care for ficus in the cold season

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Wintering does not require special conditions. The plant does well at room temperature if it does not fall below 16 ° C. But with the reduction of daylight hours, growth also slows down, which resumes with the onset of spring.

Protect the ficus from drafts. Otherwise, he may just drop the leaves. If the window sill is cold, place a Styrofoam or other pad under the pot.

How to care for ficus in the warm season

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In late spring, when the night temperature no longer drops below 17 ° C, the ficus can be taken out to the balcony or loggia. In the fresh air, it will become even more magnificent and brighter.

Try to choose a well-lit place for it, but without direct sunlight. With the onset of autumn cold weather, return the green pet back.

How to water a ficus

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Use only settled for at least 1-2 days at room temperature.

There is no clear interval for watering ficuses. The main thing is that the soil is dry. Stick your finger into the ground a couple of inches. If it's dry, the plant needs water.

Pour plenty of water into the pot. After 30-40 minutes, remove excess liquid so that they do not stagnate in the pan.

Throughout the year, once a day or two, spray the ficus with settled water at room temperature. But if where the plant is not more than 16 ° C, give up water procedures.

How to bathe a ficus

Wipe plants with large leaves every couple of weeks with a damp cloth or cotton swab.

The same cleaning is needed for small-leaved species growing in tubs.

For compact ficuses with small leaves, shower 1-2 times a month. Before bathing, cover the pot with a film so that moisture does not get into it. Put in the bath, and then pour the crown abundantly with warm, but not hot water. Direct the jet from the side.

After showering, wait for the plant to dry out and put it back in place. Try to put it with the same side to the light as before. In order not to be mistaken, make a mark on the pot in advance.

How to transplant ficus

When and how often to transplant ficus

The best time to move to a new pot is spring and early summer. During this period, adaptation is easiest.

It is not difficult to understand that the former capacity has become small. The earth in it dries quickly, the roots are braided with an earthen ball and look out through the drainage holes. If this happens, do not postpone the transplant. But carry the whole earthen ball, do not wash or clean the root system.

In order not to bring to such a situation, transplant young ficuses every year. Adults who are over four years old, at intervals of 2-3 years, when the roots begin to become crowded.

Large tub plants are better not to disturb. Just renew the topsoil a couple of times a year.

What kind of land does a ficus need

Special land for ficuses can be bought at any store. In the universal soil, you will have to add ¹⁄₂–1 handful of coarse sand or vermiculite.

To make the soil yourself, mix sand, peat, leafy and soddy soil in approximately equal proportions.

What pot do ficus need

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Plastic or ceramic pots are suitable for these plants. The main thing is that they have drainage holes.

Choose a pot a little larger than the root system, that is, a couple of centimeters wider and deeper than before. Don't take too much right away.

For the first transplant from the shipping container (plants are sold in stores in them), take the pot a little deeper, but about the same diameter.

How to do a transplant

Take the plant out of the pot. Shake the earth ball lightly and gently tap on the floor or other surface. Remove the soil that will fall off on its own. Do not try to remove the remaining by hand or otherwise.

Get the right size pot. Pour about 2 cm of expanded clay drainage on the bottom, put a few pieces of charcoal and pour some earth. Place the ficus in a pot and add soil.

After transplanting, put the plant in its original place. Watering - not earlier than after 4-5 days.

How to fertilize ficus

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From spring to autumn, feed the plant every one and a half to two weeks. Fertilizers will ensure the active growth of the plant itself, the development of healthy leaves. In winter, you can refuse top dressing.

The optimal scheme is the alternation of mineral and organic fertilizers. For example, based on bird droppings. Although the use of only one type gives a good result.

How to treat ficus

Carefully observe your green pet and give it time.

This happens for various reasons:

• rearrangement of the plant or reaction to new conditions after purchase;
• drafts from ventilation, cold air from air conditioning systems;
• sudden changes in temperature;
• watering with cold water;
• low air humidity;
• lack of light;
• overflow or overdrying;
• spider mite.

Pay attention to the conditions of the plant. This will help identify and eliminate the cause.

If small-leaved species lose up to 10 leaves when winter sets in, nothing needs to be done. This is the plant's reaction to the change of season.

If it's all about, which a subtle cobweb will help to identify, arrange a warm shower for the ficus. After following the instructions, treat with acaricides. Insect control products will not cope with this pest.

Overflow is to blame.

This problem often occurs in rubber ficuses. If symptoms appear, remove rotten roots and transplant the plant into a new pot. Then try to water moderately.

Provide adequate lighting.

If possible, do not rearrange the ficus from place to place, especially in winter.

Protect the plant from drafts and cold.

Water with warm water as the topsoil dries out.

Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, spray the ficus, bathe it in the shower.

Choose the right soil and replant on time.

Fertilize from spring to autumn.

Belonging to the mulberry family. The homeland of ficus is countries with a hot climate, most of the species are found in Africa and South Asia.

In indoor floriculture, there are more than 20 types of ficus which are very popular due to their unpretentiousness.

Ficuses vary in size, color and leaf shape. They can have a straight stem, or they can be grown as an ampelous plant.

Of the many types of ficus, the florist can choose a plant for every taste. With the help of different types, you can create the most beautiful flower arrangements that fit well into the design of the room.

Location and lighting

Ficuses love constancy, so before deciding on a location, you must immediately take into account all its requirements so as not to rearrange the flower from corner to corner. Any movement can lead to leaf shedding and stunted growth.

This houseplant loves light. Types of ficus with variegated leaves should be placed in well-lit places. If the ficus has dark green leaves, you can place it in a darker corner.

Low light will not greatly affect its development, but it will perfectly decorate those corners where other indoor plants do not grow.

Temperature

A large number of different types of ficus also implies different conditions for their maintenance. Most species grow well in summer and develop at temperatures +25-27°C.

Ficuses with hard leaves easily tolerate being in the bright sun. Species with variegated and delicate leaves should be shaded from direct sunlight in summer.

In winter, many types of ficus require temperature + 16-20°C., although some specimens easily tolerate a decrease up to +8°C.

At this time of the year, you need to protect the plant from hypothermia of an earthy coma on the windowsill, otherwise this indoor flower will easily throw off its beautiful leaves.

Watering and humidity

Ficuses love moisture, especially in the spring and summer, when the plant develops and grows. But do not abuse frequent watering. The top layer of the earth must be dry.

In winter, frequent water procedures are stopped. For the normal development of the plant at this time of the year is enough 1 watering in 10 days.

High humidity is also a necessary component for the normal growth and development of ficus. In summer, during the heat, and in winter, with the heating turned on, it is necessary to carry out frequent spraying of plants.

He loves ficus and shower very much, especially contrasting (warm and cool water). It should be remembered that ampelous species require more moisture, due to the close location of the roots to the surface of the earth.

Fertilizer

Ficus responds very well to top dressing, especially during the period of active growth. In spring and summer, it is necessary to feed the plant with various fertilizers for decorative and deciduous plants. 1 time in two weeks.

You can fertilize the indoor flower with ashes or an infusion of green herbs such as nettle, dandelion, yarrow.

In the autumn-winter period, top dressing is reduced to 1 once a month. After transplanting into a new soil, there is no need for additional fertilization for 3-4 months.

Transplant and reproduction

Transplantation of adult plants must be done 1 once every two years, always in the spring. In this case, the capacity should be only 3-4 cm more than the previous one.

You should not transplant the plant into a very large pot, the ficus will not like it and can lead to waterlogging of the earthy coma and the death of the plant.

As soil, purchased land is used, designed specifically for ficuses, or sand, peat and leafy soil are mixed in equal proportions.

Best of all, all types of ficuses reproduce by apical cuttings. To do this, carefully cut at an angle in 45 degrees stalk, leaving three large leaves on it. If some kind of ficus has small leaves, the stalk should have a length 12-15 cm.

The cut must be treated in charcoal or a root stimulator and placed in water. The container must be opaque. Through 14 days small, white roots will appear.

Pests and their control

Most often, all types of ficus are attacked by spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects. To control these pests, it is recommended to use insecticides that effectively help in pest control.

The most popular means is actellik, Aktar, karbofos and many other preparations, which are presented in a large assortment in flower shops.

To combat the scale insect and mealybug, you can use the old folk method and wipe the leaves of the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

At home, a shopping complex or a cafe promotes the active use of ornamental plants. Ficus, a representative of tropical countries, is one of them.

At the moment, about a thousand varieties and names of this amazing representative of the flora are known. Not all individuals are able to take root in conditions that are not specific to their life, but those who can become the pride and decoration of any interior.

Ficus features

Belonging to the mulberry subfamily, it attracts attention with its bright green color, amazing decorative foliage. In its natural habitat, ficus can grow as a full-fledged tree. With a powerful root system, bright juicy foliage.

At home, adapting to unusual living conditions, the plant grows slowly, has an acceptable size, and will quite successfully fit into the interior.

Each species of ficus adapted to life "in captivity" requires specific attention, care, and care. Thanks to this, it will not lose its decorative effect, remain the same lush tree as in its natural habitat. Except in smaller sizes.

Varieties

At home, depending on the variety, the ficus can grow as a lush shrub or a small ornamental tree. Various photos of this amazing plant can be found everywhere, on any website, catalog, landing page, where the interior design of a shopping center, office or cafe is discussed.

At home, it is quite possible to grow the following types and varieties of ficuses:

• Benedict
• Varietis
• Triangular
• Karika
• Benjamin
• Bengal
• Creeping
• rubbery
• blunted
• Ginseng
• Rezuta
• Dumbbell
• Amstel
• large-leaved
• Lirata
• Moklamé
• Ampelny
• Balsamina
• Pumila White Sunny.
• Dwarf.

It is important to understand that there will be certain difficulties in keeping ficus. This is fallen, yellowed foliage, loss of decorativeness, splendor, damage caused by pests, direct sunlight.

Some of the problems are overcome quite quickly and successfully, others will take time.

What to choose

The most popular varieties of ficus, which are most often bred, are as follows:

• Rubbery;
• Ficus Benjamin;
• Dwarf;
• Lyre-shaped.

Dwarf varieties of ficuses

Perhaps these are the most exotic varieties of this plant that came to Russian flower growers from Japan and China. They are all capricious, not everyone can breed them. These ficus varieties require special care. They need to create conditions close to their natural habitat - warmth and humidity.

They are very sensitive to dry air, like the lack of direct sunlight, partial shade. You will have to constantly spray them so that the plants feel comfortable, maintain a comfortable temperature for them.

Ficus of these varieties grows rapidly, creates a lush carpet. Correctly pruning it, you can create compositions that are amazing in shape - fresh shoots take root easily, touching the ground.

rubbery

Due to the unusual shape and color of its leaves, this type of ficus is the most popular. His homeland is India. The plant is very demanding on watering. The soil must not dry out. Otherwise, the leaves will fall off. Like all other ficuses, it loves partial shade. He enjoys bathing and spraying. It can reach two meters in height.

ficus benjamina

Ornamental plant, when pruned, you can get a lush bush or a small tree. It differs in density, brightness of the crown. Excellent varieties belong to this type of ficus, which are enthusiastically grown by many gardeners:

• Kinky;
• exotic;
• Starlight;
• Natasha;
• Anastasia;
• Daniel.

Ficus Benjamin differs from others in variegated green leaves. It can reach two meters in height.

lyre-shaped

A welcome guest of large spacious rooms. Its shoots, reaching half a meter, resemble a lyre or a violin in shape. Hence its name. Like other ficuses, he loves to be sprayed, watered, wiped.

When spots appear on large lyre-shaped leaves, this is a signal that something is wrong. Maybe it's worth rearranging the plant to another place, it started having problems with the roots, or, quite simply, the ficus picked up some kind of sore.

In natural habitats, in the tropics, ficus can reach a height of more than 30 meters. Domesticated species are not so high. Nevertheless, this beautiful plant, when creating optimal conditions for its development, will become a wonderful decoration for any interior, it will delight even the most captious, ever-dissatisfied flower grower with its decorative effect.

Photo of varieties of ficuses

Ficuses, or Ficus, are evergreen plants belonging to the Mulberry family. Currently, there are more than one and a half thousand species of ficuses.

Flower characteristic

The houseplant ficus is characterized by a variety of species that differ in height, shape of branches and leaves, as well as color.

plant description

The leaves may be alternate, rarely opposite, entire, serrated or lobed. Stipules are large in size. All parts of the ficus are characterized by the presence of milky juice, which can be used for medicinal purposes. Ficus flowers are collected in axillary inflorescences. They can either be single or grouped, forming an ear or a kind of brush.

Benefit and harm

In the industrial sector, varieties that make it possible to obtain rubber play an important role. These plants include Elastica, Nymphaeifolia, Populnea, Radula, Sylvestris, Elliptica and Prinoiddes. Some members, including Carica, Sycomorus, Religiosa, Rumphii, and Bengalensis, produce edible fruits that are high in sugars. The leaves of the ficus Carica are used as a medicinal raw material.

The population of the Indian state of Meghalaya has used the roots for the cultivation of "living bridges" for many centuries. For this purpose, bamboo poles are thrown across a pond or ditch with ficus roots directed at them, which after ten years are able to grow to the opposite bank. The length of such a plant bridge can be 30 meters. The design can withstand the weight of more than 50 people at the same time.

Features of care

Caring for ficus at home is not difficult, as it is one of the most unpretentious indoor plants.

Ficus: choice, cultivation, care (video)

Lighting

It is necessary to place the plant on well-lit window sills facing west or east. In summer, ficuses need to be shaded, and in winter it is recommended to highlight the plant for several hours a day.

Temperature

The optimum temperature for ficus in spring and summer is from 23 to 25 degrees. In autumn and winter, temperatures can range from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. The plant must be protected from drafts and hot air coming from heating appliances.

Humidity

The standard humidity parameters in the living room are sufficient for the full growth and development of the ficus. If the air is too dry, then increase the humidity artificially.

watering

In the summer season, this plant requires fairly abundant watering and spraying with water at room temperature. In the autumn-winter period, watering is reduced and carried out as the soil dries.

top dressing

In summer, fertilization is carried out every ten days. For top dressing, ready-made organic and mineral fertilizers are used, which should be alternated. In winter, the amount of top dressing is reduced or fertilizer application stops completely.

pruning

The crown of the plant can be given almost any shape. In order to create a bushy form, the upper shoots are subject to removal. You can get a house tree by cutting side shoots. Any pruning option is done in spring or in the first decade of summer.

reproduction

Depending on the species, the plant can be propagated both by cuttings and with the help of air layering, as well as by seeds. The most commonly used method in indoor floriculture is cuttings. with the rooting of the plant in water or soil substrate.

Passport home ficus

Design options may vary. In any case, such a document allows a novice grower to navigate the features of a houseplant and get acquainted with the basic rules for caring for it.

1. The plant is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa.
2. There are more than two thousand species of this plant.
3. Home ficus is one of the unpretentious indoor plants.
4. Ficus is a photophilous plant.
5. Ficus should be watered once or twice a week.
6. In summer, daily spraying of the plant should be carried out.
7. The plant should be transshipped during transplantation annually in mid-March.

Compliance with the requirements listed in the passport significantly reduces the risk of plant damage by diseases or pests.

Growing problems

The lower foliage of tree-like species of domestic ficus may fall off from time to time due to natural, or physiological, reasons. Stopping growth, as well as active loss of green mass, most often result from improper plant care.

Growth arrest

The main reasons may lie in a change in the conditions of detention. In addition, the plant may stop growing when exposed to drafts, as well as as a result of temperature changes or when changing lighting. Very often, growth retardation is caused by a lack of nutrients.

Diseases

Very often, as a result of waterlogging or other violations of care, the plant is affected fungal diseases or root rot. Rotting of the root system is provoked by excessive soil moisture. The same effect is caused by an overabundance of fertilizers.

Pests

How to cut ficus Benjamin (video)

Homemade ficuses, regardless of type and variety, are quite attractive houseplants. However, as they grow, ficuses can lose their decorative effect. To avoid this, you need to follow simple care rules, which consist in forming crown pruning, regular removal of dust from leaves, as well as timely protection of plants from diseases and pests.